Stronger Protections for Whistleblowers in California in 2014

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER

The state of California has stronger protections for whistleblowers in 2014. On January 1, 2014 three laws went into effect that will enhance protections for whistleblowers. SB 496, along with SB 666 and AB 263 are the bills that will help protect whistleblowers going forward. California whistleblower attorneys are glad that protection for whistleblowers has been expanded.

The three new laws broaden the whistleblower protections and will help to protect those who step forward with information. The laws provide protection against retaliation for employees who report reasonably believed violations of state or federal laws, rules or regulations and them to a government or law enforcement entity. The new laws also protect employees who report suspected illegal behavior within the company to a person with authority over them employee.

The new laws also cover an employee who reports suspected violations to a public body conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry. Compliance officers are now covered by the new laws. California whistleblower attorneys are glad that new protections have been enacted for whistleblowers.

The anti-retaliation sections of the Labor Code also enhance protections for whistleblowers. Under that law, it is illegal to discharge an employee or in any other manner discriminate against any employee or applicant for certain activities protected under the Labor Code. There is now a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per employee for each violation of the Labor Code. The new law also makes it illegal to retaliate against an employee in anticipation that they might step forward and blow the whistle. California whistleblower attorneys are glad that the state has taken steps to protect whistleblowers.

Evans Law Firm, Inc. handles whistleblower/false claims, consumer fraud class actions, insurance and banking fraud, consumer product liability, elder abuse, and personal injury cases. If you think that you have witnessed or are the victim of financial fraud by an insurance company, bank or individual then, contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669 for a free and confidential consultation, or email info@evanslaw.com.